It is our pleasure to have Allison Chase, author of the newly released, Most Eagerly Yours join us for awesome book goodness today on Book Binge.
Most Eagerly Yours is the first book in Chase’s new series, Her Majesty’s Secret Servants and it is a series that is definitely on our radar here at Book Binge.
We look forward to keeping up with this brand spankin’ new series and would like to welcome Allison Chase to Book Binge. She’s here to speak about our heroes.
Check it out:
Three Queens and a Healthy Dose of Girl Power!
The “kick butt” heroine: she’s a popular addition to romance and she’s here to stay – and thank heavens for that! No modern woman wants to read about wimpy heroines who cry in the face of danger and wait for the hero to save their fragile hides. But what does kick butt mean? Lara Croft comes to mind, right? And Buffy – one of my favorites!
But let’s face it, the whole Lara Croft concept is pretty new, and you won’t find many examples of her in history. Sure, we had Boudicca and Joan of Arc, but they were the exceptions. Still, women throughout history did find ways of flexing their metaphoric muscles, especially when that muscle involved more brain than brawn.
Two of the longest-reigning and most notable English monarchs were both women. I’m talking Elizabeth I and Victoria, of course, although you could also add Eleanor of Aquitaine to the list of history’s most formidable females because while she never reigned in her own right, she was certainly not a gal who sat quietly embroidering in her bower.
Contrary to tradition AND the emphatic wishes of everyone around them, each of these intrepid ladies had a firm hand in the politics of the day, True, they were queens, but they were also women, and everyone pretty much expected them to come trotting out for official ceremonies but otherwise leave the governing to the men. There were always people trying to control them, but in the end each one had the chutzpah to assert her independence and, well, do as she bloody well pleased.
Cunning Eleanor often had her husband, Henry II, over a barrel; Elizabeth refused to marry at all, preferring to keep her royal powers to herself, thank you; and Victoria, who initially would have liked to remain single, ended up marrying, not for political advantage but for love. That not seem particularly radical to us, but for a woman of her time and position, it was an act that required a digging in of her royal heels. As a foreigner and a German at that, not to mention an impoverished one, Albert wasn’t the most popular choice for England’s new queen. But Victoria wanted him, and Victoria made sure she got him.
Odd, but while hundreds of years separated them, these three queens did all share something in common: imprisonment of one form or another. When Eleanor went too far in instigating her sons to rebel against their father, she ended up in “comfortable confinement” for the next 16 years – until Henry died. Elizabeth spent time in the dreaded Tower of London after being implicated in Wyatt’s Rebellion against her sister, Mary. And Victoria, never officially imprisoned, nonetheless spent her childhood & teen years isolated and restricted by her mother’s stringent rules. She had no friends, no privacy and no freedom whatsoever.
Did they cower? Back down? Decide it was easier to behave? No way! They bided their time and then came out swinging – metaphorically, of course. And that’s because each one of them had enough confidence to recognize her own capabilities – and how to make darn good use of them. In other words, they used their Girl Power to gather their courage, stand up to their adversaries and claim their rights. Yea!
In my Victorian Series, Her Majesty’s Secret Servants the four Sutherland sisters are pretty typical, country-bred gentlewomen – at least on the surface. They also grew up restricted and isolated on their uncle’s estate after the mysterious deaths of their parents. Now that they are adults, they discover hints that their own lives may be in jeopardy, and that their uncle had been trying to protect them. But having finally tasted independence, the Sutherlands aren’t about to cower or hide.
When their childhood friend-turned Queen of England comes calling with predicaments of a delicate nature, these ladies must step up to the plate and become Victoria’s “super heroes”… her Secret Servants. It means setting aside propriety and safety, and drawing on their considerable stores of ingenuity and sheer pluck, even if it means risking their lives, hearts and occasionally their virtue in the service of their beloved young monarch.
In the first book, MOST EAGERLY YOURS…Laurel, the eldest, is the first to be called. The Queen is threatened by her jealous cousin, George Fitzclarence, who is known for speaking treason. She asks Laurel to pose as a wealthy widow and use her charms to win George’s trust, then find out what he is really plotting. Laurel is prepared for the risks of acting a part, but she encounters an unexpected and formidable obstacle in the Earl of Barenforth–George’s friend and a notorious rake, whom Victoria has warned her to avoid…
An undercover agent for the Home Office, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is on the trail of a financial hoax involving alchemy, murder…and George Fitzclarence. When a lovely young widow wanders into his path and turns his well-laid plans on end, he senses she is hiding something. Aidan is no stranger to seduction, or to the wiles of beautiful women. And he intends employing wiles of his own to uncover the lady’s secrets…
To celebrate the release of MOST EAGERLY YOURS, I’ll be giving away a copy to a random commenter today. We all like to pick out heroes to admire and emulate. The above-mentioned ladies are three of mine. But a hero (or heroine) can be a sports figure, a philanthropist, or even a family member – the only real definition in my opinion is someone who inspires us. Who do you look up to, and why?
Thanks again to Allison for stopping by and gracing us with your presence here on Book Binge. Now, you’ve heard the lady, if you want a chance to win your very own copy of MOST EAGERLY YOURS then leave a comment on this here post and Allison will choose a winner on Friday 3/12/10. The contest will run until 11:59pm tomorrow night.
Good luck and thanks again Allison Chase, it was lovely having you on Book Binge! If you lovely readers have any questions you’d want to ask Allison, she’ll be popping in and out all day to answer any questions thrown her way.
Thanks!
So many great things to talk about! Allison, I love the concept for this series–Her Majesty’s Secret Servants. Definitely on my TBR list.
Personal heroine–my Mom. She is simply the most inspiring, kind, and honest person I’ve ever known.
Rowena, your comments on the English queens are perfect. Elizabeth and Victoria are definitely strong heroines. And Eleanor of Aquitaine more than held her own. Though she never reigned on her own, she did wed two kings and birth two more. (She may have had the toughest job of all!)
I don’t know. I don’t think I really think about it a whole lot. I just kind of put my head down and do what I am going to do. Maybe Elizabeth I, and parts of Scarlett O’Hara, but no nobody in my immediate life is a hero or anything like that.
This sounds like a wonderful series, and I can’t wait to read it!
My grandmother lived to 96 years old. She went white water rafting in Alaska at age 90 because she’d never done it. She went on an African safari in her 70’s. Life was an adventure and I hope my love of travel lets me experience the awesome things she did in her life.
This series sounds great!
msboatgal at aol.com
I have been hearing about this series for a while. I am inspired by many people. I am inspired by those who have stood up to tyranny and oppression and fought for what they believed in. I am inspired by those who care for their fellow men. But the person who inspires me the most in day to day life, is my mother. She escaped from abuse and raised three kids by herself. She put the three of us through college. Thanks to her, two of us will be doctors and the other a public official. She helps other women who are suffering from abuse, anyone who lets her know they need help, and troubled kids get into college. How can you not wish to be as strong, resilient, and caring as that? I may admire Madame Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth, and many others, but my mother will always be the person I admire the most.
Hello everyone! Casee, Holly and Rowena, thank you so much for having me here today! And Rowena, thank you for reviewing my book! I always appreciate constructive feedback on my writing, and look for things to learn and improve upon.
I also love hearing people say their moms or grandmothers are their heroes. Never mind celebrities – we can never really know them, and sometimes we find out we wouldn’t want to know them. But family is always there for us. A running theme for me has always been the importance of family as a source of personal strength, and I do believe that strong mothers raise strong, independent daughters. Hurray for moms and grandmas!
I am really looking forward to reading this book. I love discovering new authors. Have had it on my to buy list since i read about it on this blog. Hero i sdefinitely my dad as he is a hard worker and a self made man although he was a bit lacking in fatherly presence. Which makes my mum the super heroine with six kids to bring up with an oft absent husband.
Lots of luck with sales Allison.
Oooo and there is a contest too !! Please sign me in, I’d love to win a signed copy of this one 😉
That’s an interesting question. I would say I really admire the women who were willing to venture out west when this country was being settled. They must have been pretty tough and brave. Allison’s story looks like a unique one.
It’s good to see a dad getting credit here, but I know what you mean about their not always being around. When I was growing up, it was normal for father’s to be at work all day and moms to do the childrearing. Nowadays everyone works, but it still seems to be the moms doing most of the parenting – I hope that’s changing.
Teddy Roosevelt did get the ball rolling especially when it came to preserving our environment – good choice. Now Franklin’s wife, Eleanor was quite a woman – a little like her namesake, Eleanor of Aquitaine. I think had she been alive today she would definitely have run for president, and maybe made a great one.
Pioneer women – who had more courage than they did? To leave their homes and civilization and head to parts completely unknown with very few comforts. I doubt I’d have lasted a week!
Such a great discussion so far!
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One of my personal heroines is Jane Goodall. Not a lot of women are willing to live in the wild and risk their lives the way she did, and discover something completely new that changed people’s views.
I admire the women who watch their men go away to war (especially WWI and WWII)who had to put up with the deprivations of the times, worrying about their men, no email, no (or poor) phone system, working in munitions factories, building airplanes, raising kids, keeping the homefires burning and then finding a way to keep it together when their men came back (after having been so long on their own) or when their men didn’t come back.
The women whose men go to war now are pretty awesome too – and of course there’s women actually going to war, but that’s a different topic…
You know, I’ve never actually said “Wow, she/he is my hero.” Though I do admire people for many things. I guess you could say everone I’ve met, even some I haven’t, have inspired their own personal little cubbie of heroism inside me 🙂
Great post! I’m really looking foward to reading your new book!
My mom inspires me most. She always makes me believe that whatever i dream it will come true one day. persistence needed 🙂
Jane Goodall – I love her! Her dedication is unparalleled. I happen to love chimps, too.
Military women, whether wives or soldiers themselves, are much to be admired. Again, it takes incredible dedication and perseverence.
Chelsea, I like that you can find inspiration in the people you meet and become your own hero! Good for you!
And Mariska, a mom who makes us believe our dreams can come true is a treasure indeed!
Good night for now, but I’ll be back on tomorrow!
i look up to strong women: eleanor roosevelt, susan b. anthony, abigail adams, my mom, to name a few. they are brave, hardworking, doesn’t let adversities bring them down.
Their are many strong women who have been an inspiration to me but the one who first really impressed me many years ago when I was a teenager and has stayed we me ever since is the marvellous Helen Keller. I have seen the movie and read a few books on her life and she is still a shining star to me today.
Carol (international entry)
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I definitely admire the three queens mentioned here but my hero has always been Theodore Roosevelt-i just think he’s totally awesome! During his presidency, new laws regulating food, the environment, and other progressive items were implemented. I do admire both of my parents though.
I’m definitely excited about this series!
If open to all then I am in. The book sounds really good.
I admire JRR Tolkien, not cos of the books, but because he created this whole new language and that just fascinates me
Hi Alison, series is looking good, I do love strong, confident, independent heroines.
My grandmother is an inspiration, still going strong at 93, worked and ended up raising 5 kids on her own, always managed and never complained, great role model She has more energy than some of the younger family members still.
Hi, my greatest inspiration is my granddad. He had to endure so much during the war (WWII). But he never gave up and he is, even now with 88, going strong, never complaining, just tries to make the best of everything.
Allison, I really like the premise of your new series and I’ve just read the excerpt on your homepage and absolutely loved it. 🙂
The women in our military inspire me. They are so brave.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Good morning! I’m so glad I asked this question, because all the replies are inspiring me! Women like Abigail Adams and Helen Keller certainly could have given up when things got tough, but their fighting spirit kept them going. But it’s still hearing about those heroic family members that brings a little tear to my eye!
This book sounds really good, and really hot. Just my kind of book. Love the chance to read it.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
My mother is my biggest inspiration.
dawnpnr(at)aol(dot)com
Don’t forget Catherine the Great!